Escalator and Travelator Tread Cleaning Device and Method

ABSTRACT

The disclosed invention utilizes deformable gaskets configured to form a seal which slides through the grooves and across the tops of escalator and travelator treads and using evacuation cleaning components as either a complete escalator and travelator tread cleaning machine or an accessory device configured to operate with an existing vacuum carpet evacuation apparatus. The disclosed gaskets in combination with evacuation and spray nozzle manifolds connected by escalator and travelator groove passages form a basic embodiment of the disclosed tread engagement assembly. In certain embodiments, the disclosed apparatus utilizes certain components of carpet evacuation equipment in combination with the disclosed v for cleaning escalator and travelator treads, including both the risers and treads of the escalator and travelator.

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This US “Bypass” application claims priority from PCT application serialnumber PCT/US2018/056952 filed on Oct. 22, 2018. PCT application serialnumber PCT/US2018/056952 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/575,421 filed on 21 Oct. 2017. Through itspriority from PCT application serial number PCT/US2018/056952, thepresent application is entitled to the benefit of U.S. Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/575,421 filed on 21 Oct. 2017.

BACKGROUND

Escalators and moving walkways (also called travelators) pose uniquetechnical challenges for effective cleaning. Escalators and travelatorshave an upper surface or tread constructed of parallel tread ribsseparated by tread channels. The tread channels tend to capture and holddust, dirt, and debris, and acquire stains such as from spilled drinksand oil. Escalator and travelator cleaning machines are expensive,bulky, heavy and complicated to operate. Current escalator andtravelator cleaning devices suffer from a number of additionallimitations and problems.

Various existing escalator and travelator cleaning machines usesolutions or degreasers and rotating brushes, both of which may damagethe finish on escalator and travelator treads. Operation of thesecleaning machines may leak fluids into electrical, mechanical and safetyswitch components. Escalator and travelator cleaning machine brushes canscuff, scratch or dull the various finishes found on escalator andtravelator treads. Commonly used yellow demarcation inserts, most oftenmade out of polycarbonate, can be exposed to weakening, cracking, andeventually breaking once scratched or scuffed by current escalator andtravelator cleaning methods.

Certain existing designs for escalator and travelator cleaning machinestypically leave behind excessive amounts of the cleaning solutions onthe escalator and travelator tread ribs and tread channels afteroperation.

Other machines and methods use an elongated foam sponge-like insert intothe tread channels to clean it, and the foam sponge-like insert quicklybecomes overloaded with collected debris such that frequent recess inthe cleaning operation is required to apply a clean foam piece or towash out the foam piece for re-use and in any case debris is allowed topass by the sponge-like insert. Also, such an insert is largelyineffective for picking up solid material which will not adhere to theinsert, but rather will pass by it or will accumulate in front of it.

Exemplary prior cleaning machines can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 8,337,625and US published application number 2105/0259178 the entire content ofeach of them being incorporated by reference herein. The originalescalator is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,535,501, the entire content ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment including theuser controls and tread engagement assembly.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of an embodiment including the user controlsand tread engagement assembly.

FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of an embodiment including the usercontrols and tread engagement assembly.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the treadengagement assembly.

FIG. 5 shows a side section view of an embodiment of the treadengagement assembly taken through A-A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a single evacuation end gasketdesigned for escalator treads with approximately 34 ridges/ft. or 34ridges/30.5 cm.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a single evacuation end gasketdesigned for escalators with approximately 36 ridges/ft. or 36ridges/30.5 cm.

FIG. 8 shows a front cross-section view of the interface between thevacuum gasket teeth and escalator grooves which includes as a selectedembodiment, clearance of the gasket teeth on both sides and the bottom.

FIG. 9A shows a diagrammatic cross-section view of an embodiment of thetread engagement assembly during operation.

FIG. 9B shows a diagrammatic cross-section view of an alternativeembodiment of the tread engagement assembly during operation.

FIG. 9C shows a diagrammatic cross-section view of an alternativeembodiment of the tread engagement assembly during operation.

FIG. 9D shows a diagrammatic cross-section view of an alternativeembodiment of the tread engagement assembly during operation.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thetread engagement assembly

FIG. 11 depicts a top view of an alternative embodiment of the treadengagement assembly.

FIG. 12 depicts a down escalator with an embodiment of the treadengagement assembly shown in use.

FIG. 13 depicts an up escalator with an embodiment of the treadengagement assembly shown in use.

FIG. 14 shows a diagrammatic side view of the rear vacuum gasketinterface with the escalator groove and escalator comb during operation.

FIG. 15 shows a close-up of an escalator tread.

FIGS. 16A-16C show views of an alternative embodiment of the treadengagement assembly.

FIG. 17 shows a top view of a tread engagement assembly in use on anescalator step.

FIG. 18 shows a bottom view of a tread engagement assembly above andescalator tread.

FIG. 19 shows a front perspective view of the 100 Series embodiment orconfiguration of the wet vacuum evacuation cleaning system, includingthe tread engagement assembly and hand operated control assembly.

FIG. 20 shows a side view of the 100 Series embodiment or configurationof FIG. 20

FIG. 21 shows a direct front view of the 100 Series embodiment orconfiguration of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 shows a bottom view of the 100 Series embodiment orconfiguration of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 shows a bottom perspective view of the 100 Series embodiment orconfiguration of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 shows a front perspective view of the 100 Series embodiment orconfiguration tread engagement assembly.

FIG. 25 shows the cross-section “C-C” view from FIG. 21.

FIG. 25A shows a variation in which at least the front gasket does notreach into contact with the bottom of the tread groove allowing air topass along the bottom of the tread groove.

FIG. 26 shows the cross-section “C-C” view from FIG. 21 in which thegaskets are tilted upwardly toward the front to allow an oncoming treadthat is out of horizontal alignment

FIG. 26A shows a variation of FIG. 26 in which only the forward gasketis tilted upwardly forward toward the front to allow an oncoming treadthat is out of horizontal alignment

FIG. 27 shows a schematic view of detail of tilted gaskets

FIG. 28 shows a schematic view of gaskets having an adjusted front edge.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of an exemplar forward or rear gasketfor the 100 Series configuration.

FIG. 30 shows a scrubber brush assembly 118.

FIG. 31 shows the lower frame gasket 116 and 116A which in thisembodiment integrates the above identified side skirt 16 with a holdingframework 116A for the scrubbing brush assembly 118 (referred to as an“H” bar).

In FIG. 32 the cross-section “D-D” of FIG. 31 of the 100 series lowerframe gasket and scrubbing brush assembly is shown.

FIG. 33 depicts a photograph of a portion of and exemplar scrubbingbrush assembly.

FIG. 34 shows an exploded view of a 100 series embodiment of the wetvacuum evacuation cleaning system.

FIG. 35 shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplar tread engagementchassis 104 for a 100 series embodiment.

FIG. 36 shows a top perspective view of an exemplar tread engagementchassis 104 for a 100 series embodiment.

FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of cross-section C-C from FIG. 21.

FIG. 38 shows a direct front view of cross-section E-E from FIG. 19 ofan exemplar 100 series embodiment of the tread engagement assemblyshowing the spray pattern.

FIG. 39 shows a diagrammatic side view of the rear vacuum gasketinterface with the escalator groove and escalator comb during operation.

DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the subjects of the cleaning apparatus andsystem and method are both escalators and travelators. However, to alloweasier grammatical description the term “escalator” will be used, andunless otherwise stated or distinguishable in the description, itincludes both escalators and travelators. Escalators and travelatorshave such commonality in their tread construction that the embodimentsdescribed herein can be used for either and both. As will be understoodfrom the following description, the device, system and method areoperated at the exit end of an escalator and travelator. That means, fora descending escalator, the exit end is at the bottom and for anascending escalator, the exit end is at the top. A travelator has but asingle exit end.

For consistency, certain dimension directions need to be understood. Theterm “width” means side to side across the tread and across theapparatus embodiments as described. The terms “height” and “depth” and“thickness” mean a vertical direction relative to the tread and the term“length” means a front to back direction relative to the tread.

Certain terms for describing the tread construction of escalators andtravelators are helpful for the following description. With reference toFIG. 15, there is illustrated an exemplary escalator tread in which thestep 70 has a tread 72 that extends front to back and from side to sideat the top of the step 70. The tread 72 is constructed of ribs, alsocalled ridges 74 which are spaced apart to present channels also calledgrooves 26. The ridges 74 have a ridge top 61 and the grooves 26 have agroove floor 62. The ridges 74 have sides 76 which may be vertical ormay taper toward the top, an exemplary taper may be 1½ degree and whichalong with the groove floor 62, forming the grooves 26. While thisFigure shows an escalator step construction, the tread and ridge andgroove descriptions also apply to travelators. As will be understood inthe following descriptions, the dimensions of the ridges and groovesvary in different manufactures of escalators and travelators such thatthere may be more or fewer ridges/grooves along a lateral distanceacross the tread.

As used herein, the term “vacuum” means the suction or negative pressuregenerated by the cleaning apparatus and system creating air flow for theremoval of debris and liquids during pressure wash cleaning implementedby the constructions and methods described herein.

The present invention accomplishes escalator and travelator groovecleaning by a pressurized spray of a liquid cleaning solution into thetread grooves which are adjacent to a vacuum spray manifold and a vacuumevacuation manifold thereby effecting vacuum evacuation of the liquidand debris mixed with the liquid. The apparatus and steps foraccomplishing this will be described below. The apparatus foraccomplishing the cleaning action is referred to as head unit or headassembly also referred to as a tread engagement assembly, which is theapparatus that contacts the escalator tread and operates to cause thecleaning. The head unit can be further integrated into a user controlsystem by assembling it to a control assembly having a wand, operationalcontrols and means for delivery of suction and water to the head unitwhich allows a user to control the operation. There are also ancillaryelements that provide a suction source (also called a vacuum source), awater source and a waste containment means which are in contact with theuser control assembly.

The invention further utilizes as part of the tread engagement assemblya forward or front gasket fitted at a forward periphery of the treadengagement assembly having teeth that in use will extend into theescalator grooves. A similar rearward or rear gasket is used at a rearperiphery of the tread engagement assembly. The front and rear gasketshave in common a set of teeth separated by gasket grooves and the gasketgrooves have a top surface wherein the gaskets provide the means forvertically fitting the tread engagement assembly on the tread. Also, thegaskets provide a “seal” in the sense that their teeth substantiallyfill the space of the groove, However, it can be appreciated that airpasses by the gasket teeth in the grooves as the escalator treads moveunder the device. Also, in one embodiment, a space is provided at thebottom of the gasket teeth of the forward gasket to allow debris to passmore readily into the tread engagement assembly and to have a specificair flow under the gasket teeth. In another embodiment, the gasket teethare longer than the depth of the groove and are sufficiently flexiblethat they bend as the bottom of the groove pulls them which also allowspassage of debris and air flow under the gasket teeth. Nevertheless,flow of air along the sides of the gasket teeth is generally assumed.

As the tread grooves pass under the tread engagement assembly, theportion of the tread grooves that is between the front and rear gasketis defined as the escalator groove passage. Notably because the treadengagement assembly extends laterally across a number of tread grooves,there will at any time a plurality of vacuum tread grooves incommunication with the vacuum spray manifold and the vacuum evacuationchamber thereby enabling cleaning of the tread grooves.

In the embodiment now described, the tread engagement assembly has aforward manifold portion also referred to as a vacuum spray manifold anda rear manifold portion also referred to as a vacuum evacuation manifold(referred to as the tread engagement assembly manifolds). The vacuumspray manifold and the vacuum evacuation manifold are in opencommunication with each other through the vacuum escalator groovepassages, and the suction source is in direct communication to thevacuum evacuation manifold. The vacuum spray manifold is located in aforward part of the apparatus and is equipped with spray nozzles whichdirect liquid cleaner into the vacuum escalator grooves to dislodgedebris. The vacuum evacuation manifold is located behind the vacuumspray manifold and is connected to the suction source which evacuatesthe liquid cleaner and debris. Both the vacuum spray manifold and thevacuum evacuation manifold are in the open vacuum communication via theplurality of escalator groove passages as they pass between the frontand rear gaskets and are in the vacuum condition caused by the suctionsource. As will be seen the vacuum condition is enhanced by structuresof the apparatus that define closure or sealing of the tread engagementassembly and also by the ridges and grooves in cooperation with theclosure or sealing structures

The tread engagement assembly is equipped with the front and the reargaskets and with side skirts as defined in exemplary detail below, suchthat when it is placed on an escalator tread the gaskets and skirtsalong with the ridges and grooves close the manifolds and the connectingescalator groove passages and establish the vertical positioning of thetread engagement assembly on the tread. When the tread engagementassembly is fitted to a tread, the spaces of the grooves as they passunder it, then forming moving escalator groove passages, communicatingthe vacuum between the manifolds. In that way the sprayed liquid and thedebris that are in the grooves are subject to the suction as part of awhole vacuum space. It is understood that a construction as describedherein would not actually “close” the tread engagement assembly in atechnical sense, as the tread passes under the tread engagementassembly, but rather would then have air flow into the tread engagementassembly caused by the suction (called suction flow) and the fit of thegaskets to the grooves. By controlling flow of air to largely pass intoand along the grooves as part of the moving groove passages, the liquidand debris is available to be sucked into the vacuum evacuation manifoldportion and then into evacuation. It will be understood that the sprayedcleaning mixture will release and carry debris in the grooves and airflow passing into the grooves will carry that liquid and debris from thegroove passages into the vacuum evacuation manifold and then into theexiting suction flow. Of course, there is likely to be debris that isnot mixed with the liquid, but that too will be carried into the suctionflow and disposed of.

As it will be typically implemented the apparatus will be assembled intoa system by being connected to a suction motor and removal apparatustypically accompanied by a holding and directing handle and havingcontrol means. In one embodiment of the system the apparatus can be madeto attach to a commercial vacuum liquid cleaning evacuation assembly, anexample of which is made by Karcher Pty Ltd 40 Koornang Road ScoresbyVictoria, AU 3179 designated the BR 47/35 Esc.

The sealing effect and the creation of the suction flow is accomplishedby the toothed gaskets at the front and rear of the apparatus in whichwhen the apparatus is placed on the tread, teeth of the gaskets extendinto the grooves, and top surfaces between the teeth contact the top ofthe ridges. Thus, that contact with the top of the ridges controls thevertical positioning of the apparatus on the tread. The teeth then fillthe grooves to a selected extent. Also, side skirts on the lateral endsof the tread engagement assembly close off the lateral ends of the treadengagement assembly manifolds, understanding that this is not absolutesealing, but relative sealing that keeps the suction in the desiredcontrolled space for cleaning. Notably, regardless of the selecteddimensioning of the teeth and the skirts to fit to the tread, with theescalator tread moving, air will flow.

As used herein, the term “seal” or “sealing” may refer to a range of airor fluid pressure resistant mating between two surfaces. In thisdisclosure, this term most commonly refers to the interface between theapparatus gaskets and the skirts to the escalator tread surfaces whichthey contact as will be explained below.

The disclosed gaskets in combination with the vacuum spray manifold andthe vacuum evacuation manifold form a basic embodiment of the disclosedtread engagement assembly and method such that as the tread grooves passby them, the portion within the space they define are the escalatorgroove passages.

In various embodiments, certain portions of the apparatus gaskets andescalator tread surfaces may fit such that the gasket conforms intocontact with the tread surfaces or may be in minimal contact or maycontact some surfaces and not others or may touch each otherintermittently during operation. Further as noted, the relative movementof the escalator tread and the gasket will allow air to pass throughregardless of the fit of the gasket into the escalator grooves. Inshort, operation of the apparatus and method expects and depends on airflow past the front gasket teeth to flow in the grooves and ultimately,with the liquid and the debris into the suction disposal.

In various embodiments, the gaskets will have deformable teeth designedto fit into the escalator grooves. In various configurations, the teethare square or rectangular cross-section shape or may be tapered.Individual gasket teeth are shaped to maintain a maximum level ofsuction by deforming to seal against the top of the ridges and the sidesof the ridges which define the grooves. In some embodiments, the frontand rear gaskets will have selected different shape and/or construction,such as of rigidity, flexibility and resilience to perform in a mannerappropriate to their location and the desired mode of performance. Forexample, in one embodiment, the teeth of the front gasket may beflexible, or they may be shorter than the depth of the groove, while therear gasket may be a closer fit and more rigid to avoid allowing anydebris to pass.

In operation, the apparatus is set in place on the escalator tread withthe gasket teeth set into the grooves to provide the correct verticaland lateral positioning. The apparatus is allowed to be carried with theescalator tread movement into contact with the escalator comb platewhere it will be maintained in place as the escalator treads pass underit. Then in operation the cleaning is performed as will be more fullydescribed below. As already noted, in some embodiments, the treadgrooves are tapered, and the gasket teeth can be shaped for the desiredtype of fit.

Also, as described below, the side skirt members are used to increasesuction or negative pressure and improve sealing of the tread assemblymanifolds against the escalator tread during operation.

Also, as described below, a separation pad is utilized to separate theforward vacuum spray manifold from the rear vacuum evacuation manifoldthereby to increase the penetration of cleaning fluids for effectivecleaning between escalator ridges.

In various embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and its assembly intoa system, the following various evacuation components are utilized:

a. Solution Tank: Tank for storing cleaning solution or rinse water.Typically, solution tanks range in size from 4.5 gallons (17 liters) to17 gallons (64 liters).b. Recovery Tank: Tank for storing extracted dirt, cleaning chemicals,and recovered liquids. Typically, recovery tanks range in size front 4.5gallons (17 liters) to 17 gallons (64 liters).c. Pump: The pump component such as for example, of a carpet evacuationmachine, whether portable or truck mounted, generates the pressure toinject water or cleaning solution through a manifold and spray nozzlesonto the escalator treads and into the grooves, to remove or loosen dirtand grease. Pressures of between about 60 pounds per square inch (psi)and 500 psi are typically generated by the exemplary pump component.d. heating Unit: An optional heating unit component heats the cleaningsolution or rinse water to temperatures as high as 210° F. in as littleas three minutes. Heating elements can range from single tank-heatingmodels, which heat liquids in the solution tank, to double inlineheating elements, Which heat liquid as it exits the machine.

The disclosed tread engagement assembly utilizes an array ofhigh-pressure spray nozzles located in the vacuum spray manifold whichspan the width of the tread engagement assembly and are aimed to sprayinto the escalator treads grooves. This allows the array of spraynozzles to power wash deep into the grooves of the moving escalator'streads. The spray may use a cleaning solution to aid in the pressurewashing to dislodge the dust, dirt, oil, grease and other debris thataccumulates deep within the escalator treads. The spray may be fullyliquid or may be an aspirated or aerosol spray. Vacuum or suction isthen utilized to remove the cleaning solution, along with the debris,providing clean treads, without the need to turn off the escalator andwithout the need for specialized or expensive capital equipmentpurchases and without the need for specialized training. This mode ofcleaning avoids the damage associated with bristle brushes, theinconvenience of removing and cleaning or replacing foam inserts thathave become overloaded with debris and minimizes excess cleaningsolution remaining on the escalator treads or leaking into the catch panbeneath the escalator treads after cleaning.

As described below, an embodiment of the apparatus and method of theinvention allows the portion that operates on the tread that is thetread engagement assembly to be an accessory for an otherwise standardevacuation cleaning machine. Many types of evacuation cleaning machinesare currently available which are generally designed for use on carpet.These machines have various levels of available spray pressures andvarious levels of vacuum or suction generated. Certain machines have thecapability to heat the liquid cleaning solution. Exemplary of suchmachines is the SKU # TPL-12-100-CE-TCP device made by Clean Freak.comof Wausau, Wis. Various embodiments of the apparatus and methoddisclosed herein are intended to function with assorted currentlyavailable evacuation cleaning machines as an accessory. Otherembodiments are designed as stand-alone cleaning machines which includeall necessary components.

Below, embodiments of the invention will be described with relation tothe figures.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 exemplary embodiments are shown of a wetvacuum evacuation cleaning system 1 which includes a tread engagementassembly 2, and a hand operated control assembly 3. The tread engagementassembly 2 has a chassis 4, a front gasket 5A, a rear gasket 5B and avacuum outlet 6 (with more details to be described below). The handoperated control assembly 3 include a wand 7, a handle 8, a pressurizedliquid delivery conduit 9 a disposal outlet 10 and a liquid deliverycontrol valve 11. The wand 7 being hollow and acting as an evacuationflow conduit. The pressurized liquid delivery conduit 9 includes abifurcated portion 9A and 9B to deliver fluid into the tread engagementassembly 2 at connection points 15A and 15B. Also shown (FIG. 1 only)are ancillary elements; vacuum source 80 and evacuation disposal tank 81that are available to be connected to the evacuation disposal outlet 10and a pressurized cleaning liquid source 82 that is available forconnection to the pressurized liquid delivery conduit 9.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the treadengagement assembly 2. including a chassis 4 having a vacuum spraymanifold 20 that extends the width of the chassis 4 and includes aseries of spray nozzles 12, which are set to expel an exemplary cleaningliquid spray pattern 27. The chassis 4 also has a vacuum evacuationmanifold 22 that extends inside the width of the chassis 4 coextensivelywith the vacuum spray manifold 20 and which is in communication with thevacuum outlet 6. Between the vacuum spray manifold 20 and the vacuumevacuation manifold 22 is a vacuum bridge pad 18. At the lateralterminations of the vacuum spray manifold 20 and the vacuum evacuationmanifold 22 are side skirts 16 which in this embodiment are separatefrom the bridge pad 18, but which could be integral with the bridge pad18. The bridge pad 18 and the side skirts 16 are coplanar so as to restin use on the top of the tread ridges 74 of the tread 72. Located alongthe width of the front of the chassis 4 is a front vacuum gasket 5A andlocated along the width of the rear of the chassis 4 is a rear vacuumgasket 5B. Between the front and rear vacuum gaskets 5A/5B is a spacewhich in use will define a vacuum escalator groove passage 14. Directedat an angle upwardly is a vacuum outlet 6 The array of spray nozzles 12direct the spray pattern 27 into the grooves of escalator treads as willbe further explained below. As will also be more fully explained below,the vacuum spray manifold 20, and the vacuum evacuation manifold 22 willbe in communication with a laterally extending plurality of adjacentlyextending tread grooves 26 such that they will combine with the vacuumescalator groove passages 14 defined by each tread grove 26. Therefore,in effect there will be two spaces under vacuum in the tread engagementassembly 2; one portion being a vacuum spray manifold 20 which containsthe spray nozzles 12 and the vacuum evacuation manifold 22 which is incommunication with the vacuum outlet 6. In operation, those twomanifolds are separated by the bridge 18 which seals to the top of theridges. The spray nozzles 12 may be oriented to direct the spray at aselected angle into the tread grooves 26 for example directing the spraypattern 27 forward, rearward or directly downward. The escalator treadspass underneath the array of spray nozzles 12, the spray pattern exitingfrom the spray nozzles 12 going into the tread grooves 26 causing thedirt, oil and debris to be dislodged and carried in the spray liquid forevacuation. Suction generated by the ancillary element vacuum source 80passed through the wand 7 and into the vacuum evacuation manifold 22removes the dirt, oil and debris that has been dislodged by the spray aswell as the spray itself. from the vacuum escalator groove passages 14via the vacuum evacuation manifold 22. It is therefore seen that thesuction operates commonly in effect in the vacuum evacuation manifold22, the vacuum spray manifold 20 and each of the vacuum escalator groovepassages 14 on which the tread engagement assembly 2 has beenpositioned.

The array of spray nozzles 12 is configured to clean the grooves 26, toremove the dust, dirt, stains and grease that normally accumulates inthem. The sprayed liquid is beneficially mixed with a formulatedcleaning solution. The spray nozzles 12 may be angled forward orbackward up to 15 degrees either way or vertically in variousembodiments.

Maximum suction is generated with the assistance of the front and rearvacuum gaskets 5A and 5B that seal most of the vacuum from leaking frombetween the tread grooves. Whether the vacuum gaskets 5A and 5B are madeout of foam, sponge, plastic, rubber, or other materials, the object ofthese components is to form an optimally effective seal against theescalator treads and optimize the allowed suction air flow past them foreffective removal of debris and liquids. The gaskets 5A and 5B alsoeffect positioning and guiding of the tread engagement assembly 2 byaligning it in the treads and setting the vertical positioning on thetread ridges.

The fitting of the vacuum gaskets 5A and 5B is selected for differentmanners of operation. Those variously selectable fitting options may bethe same for both the forward and rear vacuum gaskets or they may differso as to accommodate different functions to be served by the front andrear vacuum gaskets. The vacuum gaskets, whether rubber, foam or sponge,and whether hydrophobic, hydrophilic, oleophilic, open cell, close cell,or made out of any other material, may in various embodiments eitherbarely touch (i.e. skimming) the bottom of the tread grooves, be longerthan the depth of the tread grooves, or ride a selected distance abovethe bottom of the tread grooves. They may be of the same fitting or theymay have different fitting selected. The vacuum gaskets may also bethicker or thinner depending on the particular gasket material used andthe desired rigidity. If constructed of a simple rubber elastomer, thegaskets may be as thin as 1/16 inch. If the gaskets are constructed of afoam material, irrespective of density, ILD, porosity, open cell orclosed cell, whether hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or oleophilic, thegaskets should be thicker, generally ranging in size in a range fromabout ¼ inch to 4 inches. Regardless of the configuration of the gasketteeth relative to the width and depth of the tread grooves, the gasketteeth are spaced apart so that the top of the opening is an uppersurface 21C (see FIGS. 6, 7 and 8) which controls the vertical contactof the apparatus to the tread by contacting the top 61 of the tread. Inany case the top of the opening between the teeth will contact againstthe top of the ridges.

The suction generated by the ancillary suction source is channeledthrough the vacuum nozzle and into the vacuum evacuation manifold 22 ofthe device, opposite from where the spray nozzles 12 dislodge the dirtand oil in the vacuum spray manifold 20. The suction that is generatedin the vacuum evacuation manifold 22 is supplemented by thehigh-pressure spray occurring on the opposite side, in the vacuum spraymanifold 20. This directional push & pull effect helps drive thecleaning solution, and debris that has been dislodged at a directionallyguided high rate of velocity, assisting in the better and more completeremoval of the liquid solution and, in more completely removing the dirtand oil that has been dislodged.

Front and rear vacuum gaskets 5A and 5B are utilized to help maintainmaximum suction and to create maximum lift in order to remove the liquidcleaning solution and debris mixture.

The side skirts 16 are also be incorporated on both sides of the treadengagement assembly 2 to help further seal in more suction from beinglost during the cleaning process.

The vacuum bridge 18 is utilized to help separate the vacuum spraymanifold 20 from the vacuum evacuation manifold 22 which provides a morefocused spray trajectory to help clean deeper in the tread grooves andto allow the vacuum on the other side to pull the sprayed liquid anddislodged dirt and oil through the tread grooves before being removed bythe vacuum. This is aided by controlling as much as possible air flow topass through the front gasket teeth so as to cause the liquid and debristo pass from the common vacuum escalator groove passages portion 14.

FIG. 5 shows a cutaway side view of A-A in FIG. 2 of an embodiment ofthe tread engagement assembly 2 including various components asdescribed such as the spray nozzles 12, vacuum gaskets 5A and 5B, vacuumspray manifold 20, vacuum evacuation manifold 22, the space between thevacuum gaskets 5A and 5B to be occupied by the vacuum escalator groovepassages 14, the vacuum outlet 6, the side gasket 16, and vacuum bridgepad 18. An exemplary spray pattern 27 as shown is directly downward.Also FIG. 5 shows the liquid connection fixtures 15A/15B which opensinto the cleaning fluid manifold 17.

Generally, cleaning is performed while the escalator is in motion. Theprocess takes advantage of the escalator's motion to effectuate thecleaning process while allowing the operator to stand in one position.The cleaning process is thus performed simply and with minimal effort bythe operator while the treads pass underneath and through the disclosedcleaning device.

Many alternative embodiments are available. For example, when theapparatus is used as an accessory component for carpet evacuationcleaning machines, the configuration may be adapted to fit particularmachine brands and models. Other alternative embodiments or designvariations include:

Device Width Variations

a. An exemplary embodiment of the wet vacuum evacuation system wouldhave a tread engagement to be 15 inches wide. Other widths can beimplemented. The range of widths may vary from 10 inches wide to amaximum of about 53 inches, with the likely most popular versionsbetween 15 inches and 20 inches wide. Escalator treads are made in avariety of widths which commonly are 600 mm (approx. 24 inch), 800 mm(approx. 32 inch) and 1000 mm (approx. 40 inch). Also 900 mm width isavailable. The tread engagement assembly would in its most convenientand effective configuration have a width that would be less than thetread width under cleaning operation. Therefore, the procedure to beused would be to set the assembly in place, have it operate through afull cycle of the escalator, then move the assembly and run it foranother cycle for as many cycles are needed to clean the entire width ofthe tread. Some overlap is recommended.

Spray Nozzle and Manifold Variations

a. In various embodiments, multiple spray nozzle options and spraynozzle patterns are available. Optional characteristics may include thedistance between each nozzle, the spray pattern of each nozzle and thecorrelating number of nozzles used. The spray manifold may be ofdiffering shapes, materials, construction and configurations. The vacuumspray manifold may also be integrated (molded) into the body of thedevice instead of being implemented as a separate, removable componentas shown in the figures. The vacuum spray manifold may also haveadjustability to adjust the angle of the spray nozzles, and/or, toadjust the distance from the tread grooves being cleaned. The directionof the spray is selected, typically at a fixed angle, although anadjustable mechanism may be implemented to provide adjustment of thespray angle. Exemplary spray angles are, forward (toward the oncomingtread), vertical (straight down) and rearward (in the direction of treadmovement).

Optional separation of the tread engagement assembly manifolds by thebridge pad or ridge polisher:

a. The bridge pad component is intended to help guide or force liquidpressurized spray from the vacuum spray manifold, through the treadgrooves, underneath the bridge pad and into the vacuum evacuationmanifold on the other side carrying with it the loosened debris.Stability of the system while in use is accomplished with severalgeneral points of contact with the moving treads. The points of contactare the front and rear vacuum gaskets, the bridge pad mounted near thecenter of the device and the side skirts at each lateral end of thechassis. Without a bridge pad and separation between the vacuum spraymanifold and the vacuum evacuation manifold, the spray nozzles wouldstill reach the bottom of the tread grooves and clean them, and thevacuum would still pick up the majority of the dirt and debris, thoughmost likely not quite as effectively as with the separation of the treadengagement assembly manifolds. Thus, the use of the bridge pad is anoptional configuration for enhancing performance. The material for thebridge pad may have abrasive properties, to allow it to polish the topsof the tread ridges, which are usually raw metal and often need moreaggressive surface cleaning.

Front and rear vacuum gasket variations (shape, materials anddimensions):

a. Although a semi-soft, or flexible material such as sponge, or foam isadvantageous, a harder material such as rubber, or even plastic may beused. The width, height, length, depth or construction of the pads,including their overall dimensions, all have some level of variabilityand flexibility. The depth of the vacuum gasket teeth can be at the samedepth as the depth of the groove they fit into, to minimize vacuum lossor, can be left slightly longer, in order to allow them to flex and aidin the sealing of the vacuum, while still allowing dirt and debris topass through as they flex, much like a windshield wiper blade or, canglide just above the very bottom of the tread grooves in order to allowdebris to pass under them. There is also the option of using two (2)rubber vacuum gaskets on one side, or the other, or both, which wouldalso function similarly to double blade windshield wipers, in order tocreate a vacuum seal, yet still be pliable enough to flex andpotentially allow the dirt and debris to pass by them, while maintaininga good vacuum seal.b. If flexible foam is utilized as the vacuum gasket, it may behydrophilic, hydrophobic, open cell or closed cell and, made in variousdegrees of rigidity, flexibility, ILD, compression, and porosity.Irrespective of what material, or what shape is selected, the intentremains the same; to create the best possible vacuum seal on a movingescalator, while still allowing the treads to pass through their shapewithout issue.c. Various embodiments may use specialized foam and sponge materialswhich are designed not to absorb water or are considered as hydrophobic.These specialized foam materials may be designed to only absorb oileffectively, helping to remove any oil residue often found onescalators, especially deep in the tread grooves.

The vacuum gaskets 5A and 5B, irrespective of material, depth of theirteeth or details are configured to match the pattern and dimensions ofescalator tread. They have two functions, one is to define the sealingand air flow permitted into the vacuum groove passages 14 and the otheris to establish the vertical positioning of the tread engagementassembly 2 on the tread. FIGS. 6 and 7 show two embodiments of thevacuum gasket with square or rectangular cross-sectioned teeth 21designed to fit to specific escalator tread models. In FIG. 6 a vacuumgasket 5C designed to fit a particular escalator tread pattern is shownwith a tooth spacing 94 of 34 ridges/ft. or 34 ridges/30.5 cm. In FIG. 7a vacuum gasket 5D designed to fit a particular escalator tread patternis shown with a tooth spacing 94 of 36 ridges/ft. or 36 ridges/30.5 cm.The teeth 21 are separated by a space between each one defined by a topsurface 21C. It is the top surface 21C that contacts the ridge tops 61to control the vertical positioning. Also shown are holes 30 throughwhich fasteners will extend to secure the vacuum gaskets to the chassis.

FIG. 8 shows a front cross section view of an embodiment with a vacuumgasket 5A/B and escalator grooves 26 and ridges 28 as shown. In thisembodiment, the gasket tooth 21A/B side edges have clearance on thesides between the gasket and the escalator groove to allow the groovesto move more freely through the gasket teeth during operation. Ofcourse, the top surface 21C separating the teeth of the gasket is incontact with the ridge top 61 since that is how the tread engagementassembly is set on the tread for the vertical positioning. Shown is aclearance 31 between the bottom 33 of the vacuum gasket tooth 21A/B andthe bottom of the escalator tread groove 26. Some escalator tread ridgesare tapered for example with the ridge tapering upward at for example1.5 degrees on each side. That tapering then, can be taken into accountby a design of the gasket 5A/5B for whatever the mode of fit is desired.In some embodiments of the fit of the gasket in relationship to theescalator grooves and ridges, the gasket may be dimensioned to fit withmore than one manufacture of escalator grooves and ridges. For example,a conforming fit can be achieved with a material of the gasket that issoft enough to conform to different groove sizes.

FIGS. 9A-D schematically depict various alternative embodiments of thetread engagement assembly 2 and the tread 72. For example, in FIG. 9A anembodiment where the gasket 5A/B is formed of a deformable material withteeth 21A and 21B which extend into the escalator grooves and are ofsuch height as to be spaced above the bottom 26 of the groove duringoperation as shown, that is in this embodiment the teeth 21A and 21B areshorter than the depth of the grooves. This cross-section diagramdepicts the cleaning process including the airflow and debris removal.Here, the body of the tread engagement assembly 2 is shown buttedagainst the top of escalator ridges 61 The teeth 21A and 21B of thevacuum gaskets 5A/B extend into the escalator grooves 26, upon whichdebris particles 40A and oily residues 41A have been lodged. Duringoperation, high pressure cleaning fluid spray 27 is directed into thevacuum spray manifold 20 by the spray nozzles 12 and into the escalatorgrooves which in operation define the vacuum groove passages 14 (notingthat the vacuum spray manifold 20 and the vacuum evacuation manifold 22become a common space with each of the plurality of vacuum escalatorgroove passages 14 along the lateral extent of the tread engagementassembly 2). Therefore, the groove passage 14 is a distance between thefront gasket 5A and the rear gasket 5B. The cleaning spray 27 impingingagainst the groove surfaces dislodges the debris 40A and oils 41A, whichare then sucked up into vacuum escalator groove passages 14. Air flow25A assists in dislodging the debris 40A and oils 41A as it moves underthe vacuum gasket 5A at the front of the apparatus. In this embodiment,the front and rear vacuum gaskets 5A and 5B are just long enough toreach close to but spaced above the bottom 28 of the escalator groove.Air flow 25A assists in dislodging the debris 40A and oils 41A as itmoves under the vacuum gasket 5A at the front of the apparatus. As seenin the schematic FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D the debris before being suckedinto the vacuum stream are designated as 40A and 41B and after beingdislodged and moving along with the cleaning solution are designated as40B and 41B. In this embodiment, the spray nozzle 12F is directed at anangle towards the front of the assembly. Note that the dimensionsdepicted in FIG. 9A are intended to be diagrammatic and not accurate tophysical dimensions or proportions.

FIG. 9B schematically shows an alternative embodiment cross-section of atread engagement assembly 2 during operation. In this alternativeembodiment, the front and rear vacuum gaskets 5A and 5B are just longenough to contact the bottom 28 of the escalator groove. In thisembodiment, the gasket teeth move freely and may bend as shown duringoperation against irregularities in the groove bottom, when dislodgingdebris, or by the suction action of the vacuum 25C. In a variation, thecleaning spray may be aspirated or aerated to provide enough gas volumeinput into the manifolds and through the vacuum escalator groovepassages to help transport the dislodged debris and fluids into thevacuum evacuation manifold and to the disposal tank.

FIG. 9C schematically shows an alternative embodiment cross-section ofthe tread engagement assembly 2 during operation. In this embodiment,the gasket teeth 21A and 21B are longer than the groove depth, which mayact to increase seal consistency against the tread and provide amechanical force to assist in the removal of debris from the groove.

FIG. 9D schematically shows an alternative embodiment cross-section of atread engagement assembly 2 during operation. In this alternativeembodiment, the front vacuum gasket 5A and rear vacuum gasket 5B teeth21A and 21 B may be different heights (as shown for example). In theembodiment shown, the front vacuum gasket teeth 21A has clearance 31above the bottom of the escalator groove. The total depth of the grooveis shown 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the clearance 31 from the frontgasket 5A teeth 21A to the groove bottom 26 is in a range of about 1/16inch to ¼ inch and preferably about ⅛ inch, and a total groove depthtypically is ½ inch. In other embodiments, both the front and reargaskets may have the same clearance above the bottom of the groove.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of treadengagement assembly 2. In this embodiment, a bracket 36 and thumb screws35 are utilized to affix the gaskets to the assembly and provide forsimplified device cleaning and gasket replacement. Identified is thechassis 4.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the embodiment from FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 depicts the operation of the cleaning assembly 2 on a “down” 90escalator 50D. Although not shown, when operating the device, the userfirst attaches vacuum and liquid cleaner sources to the assembly. Thenthe assembly 2 is pushed 91 into the grooves of the escalator. Note thatthe gasket chosen for the escalator must match the particular escalatorgroove characteristics. As detailed above, two common escalatorconfigurations include 36 teeth/ft and 38 teeth/ft. For the downescalator shown, the assembly is positioned just in front of theescalator combs 65 and then is allowed to be moved by the escalatortread into contact with the combs 65, whereby then the escalator treadcontinues to move under the assembly and the cleaning operation cancommence. To operate the cleaning action, first the vacuum and then thespray are initiated. As the escalator operates, the cleaning assemblymoves from tread to tread utilizing the driving power 92 of theescalator alone, which holds the assembly against the escalator comb andthe tread moves under the assembly which operates as described.

FIG. 13 depicts the operation of the tread engagement assembly 2 on an“up” 93 escalator 50U. The assembly 2 is pushed into the grooves of theescalator. For the up escalator shown, the assembly is positioned justin front of the escalator combs 65. To operate the cleaning action,first the vacuum and then the spray are initiated. As the escalatoroperates, the disclosed cleaning assembly moves from tread to treadutilizing the driving power 92 of the escalator alone, which pushes theassembly against the escalator comb 65.

FIG. 14 schematically depicts the operation within the escalator groovesshown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The ridge top 61, tread groove 26 and bottom62 of the tread groove 26 are shown. Whether operated at the top of anup escalator or the bottom of a down escalator, the assembly teeth 21Bof the rear gasket 5B are placed within the grooves and butt up againstthe escalator comb 65 during the operation of the device and theescalator, which pushes the device in the direction 64 of the combs 65whereby the tread engagement assembly 2 is held in its operatingposition for the escalator or travellator to pass under it.

FIGS. 16A-16C show views of an alternative embodiment which utilizes 3inch wide, flexible oleophilic foam vacuum gaskets 13, which may be usedin combination with or instead of the typically thinner vacuum gaskets5A and 5B. Similar to the disclosed deformable vacuum gaskets 5, theirprimary function is to create the vacuum seal and, in an oleophilicdesign, does not pick up any water, but absorbs and removes oil and oilresidues. As with the forward vacuum gasket, these deformable vacuumgaskets 13 may be slightly spaced above the bottom of the tread grooves.However, for best removal of oil they would preferably be in contactwith the bottom of the grooves.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a prototype embodiment of the tread engagementassembly 2 viewed from above and below on an escalator tread 72. In FIG.17 various components are shown including the vacuum outlet 6, andpressurized liquid delivery conduit 9. In FIG. 18 various components ofthe tread engagement assembly 2 are shown including the vacuum outlet 6,side skirt gasket 16, bridge pad 18, and spray nozzles 12 in a spraymanifold 20 and a vacuum evacuation manifold 22.

Various embodiments are operable for one or both directions of escalatortravel. An advantage of bi-directional cleaning is that the devicecannot jam or in any way adversely affect the escalator combs or any ofthe safety switches that operate off of the combs.

In various embodiments, the cleaning solution may be water, a soap orsolvent based liquid, and may contain particulate abrasives.

In an alternative embodiment, no cleaning fluids are used. Thisembodiment is intended to be used as an accessory for a standard vacuumcleaner instead of a carpet evacuation machine or as a stand-aloneescalator vacuum cleaner. In this embodiment, similarly to use inconjunction with an evacuation machine, front and rear vacuum gasketsare used which penetrate into escalator grooves to maintain a sealagainst the escalator tread and maximize suction. Optional side skirtgaskets may also be used. In this embodiment, a single manifold isformed between the gaskets underneath the vacuum nozzle. The primaryobject of this vacuum-only embodiment is for the removal of loose dust,dirt and debris from the tread grooves with just a vacuum cleaner andthe disclosed embodiment accessory device.

Alternative embodiments, hereinafter referred to as the 100 seriesconfiguration implements a number of both new features and more specificfeatures relative to the prior description.

One new feature is use of a scrubber brush assembly 118 situated withinthe same area previously defined as the vacuum, bridge pad 18 whichextends across the width of and between a spray manifold 120 and anvacuum evacuation manifold 122 inside the chassis of the treadengagement assembly. The brush assembly 118 includes a brush 196 thatextends into a vacuum groove passage. The scrubber brush assembly 118implements the function of scrubbing the tread groove bottoms 126 acrossthe width of the tread being cleaned as the tread passes under them.This provides strong friction and dislodgement in the grooves of debris.In its assembly, it still functions as a vacuum bridge by directing flowthrough the vacuum escalator groove passage 114. The process also servesto “self-clean” the brush bristles because of the strong flow throughthe bristles.

Another feature appreciates that the rear gasket when engaged with theescalator combs to keep the entire devise in place, needs to havesufficient structural integrity and rigidity and strength to do so.Therefore, the rear gasket needs a length (front to back) in the rangeof about ½ inch to 4 inches. For non-foam materials that provide ahigher density and rigidity including for example, rubber, plastic,silicone material, the range of length can be about ½ inch to 1½ inches.Vacuum flow of air may well occur across the rear gasket; however theprimary flow of air is intended to occur across the front gasket so asto direct debris contained in the cleaning fluid flow into theevacuation manifold.

The front gasket has the function of providing the seal and vacuum flowof air to implement the suction and cleaning effect as described. Italso provides stable positioning. The front gasket length (front toback) range is about ⅛ inch to 4 inches, and a range of about ⅛ inch to1½ inch being more preferred. This dimension is itself contingent on thematerial selected so that a more dense stronger material can allow theminimum dimension while a less firm material such as foam must belonger. The front gasket, providing stability of the tread engagementassembly on the tread and enhanced sealing so as to provide greater airvelocity past the gasket into and through the vacuum escalator groovepassage. The front gasket teeth may extend a height greater than thegroove depth. A range for the front gasket tooth height may be about amaximum of ½ inch longer than the depth of the groove to a height ofabout ½ inch shorter than the groove depth. It is understood that acommon depth of a groove is about ½ inch, whereby the range above willallow about a maximum distance of about ½ ich above the groove bottom to½ inch longer than the groove depth, with a further optimal range ofabout contact to ⅛ inch above the groove bottom and a range of 1/16 inchto ⅛ inch being further optimal.

Also, it has been determined that use of a controlled volume of water,specifically to avoid excess water allows enhanced vacuum (sucking)operation to suck all the water at least the same rate that it isinjected, along with the loose debris. This is sufficiently enhanced byusing fewer spray nozzles 112 than described above and establishing awide pattern across the width. Also, by having the pattern narrow theimpinging force on the groove bottoms is enhanced. This is implementedin one embodiment by raising the spray manifold thereby elevating thespray nozzles for a complete coverage spray pattern and using spraynozzles that will provide a narrow spray pattern. A spray pattern thatis very thin (can be called planar), such as about 1/16 inch or evenless, allows a higher velocity of spray giving a greater impact on thesurfaces to be cleaned. It is also understood that adjusting the flowquantity of the cleaning solution into matching the suction implementedby the vacuum apparatus can provide an efficient cleaning process. Onesuch goal is to avoid excessive cleaning solution from overwhelming thevacuum process which can result in leaking into the escalator mechanics.

These configuration differences and functional differences than thosedescribed above accommodate and enhance the basic concepts describedabove with enhanced efficiency. Other similarities and differencesbetween the 100 Series configuration and the above described embodimentsare detailed below.

Various versions of the 100 Series configuration of the tread engagementassembly 102 may be used with the same hand operated control assembly 3and user controls which are described above and shown in FIGS. 19-23.Components of the hand operated control assembly 103 include a wand 107,a handle 108, an evacuation disposal outlet 110 and a pressurized liquiddelivery conduit 109 with a bifurcated portion 109A and 109B.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the 100 Series configuration treadengagement assembly and standard manual operating control assembly fromabove. As mentioned, the hand operated controls shared with otherconfigurations are shown and include a wand 107, a handle 108, anevacuation disposal outlet 110 and a pressurized liquid delivery conduit109 with a bifurcated portion 9A and 9B. Components of the treadengagement assembly which are shared with above described embodimentsinclude the vacuum outlet 6 and liquid connection fixtures 15A/B as wellas the modified components described here. The 100 Series configurationtread engagement assembly which are modified from the above embodimentsinclude the front 105A and rear 105B gaskets which are both wider inthis configuration, with more gasket material within the escalatorgrooves. In an exemplary embodiment of this configuration, the gasketsare manufactured of a deformable foam material. Although it appearssolid in this drawing, the scrubber brush 118 which replaces the formercomponent vacuum bridge 18 is formed of individual bristles. Bristledensity, thickness and flexibility are customizable and configurableaccording to the application. Also shown in FIG. 19 is the frontretaining strap 191A and retaining strap fastener 193A. The retainingstrap is easily removable by the hand tightened fastener such that theretained foam gasket 105A may be replaced as a consumable component ofthe assembly.

FIG. 20 shows a (left) side view (from the front) of the hand operatedcontrol assembly 102 and the tread engagement assembly 103 for the 100Series configuration embodiment shown also in FIG. 19. From this view,the placement of the front 105A and rear 105B gaskets in relationship tothe scrubber brush 18C is apparent.

FIG. 21 shows a front orthographic view of the hand operated controlassembly 102 and the tread engagement assembly 103 for the 100 Seriesconfiguration embodiment shown also in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. The samecomponents are visible from this view as in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. Thecross-section marked as “C-C” is shown in FIG. 25 which identifies theidentifiable components of the assembly from that view and FIG. 26 whichshows how cleaning fluid flows during operation of the assembly.

FIG. 22 shows a bottom orthographic view of the hand operated controlassembly 102 and the tread engagement assembly 103 for the 100 Seriesconfiguration embodiment shown also in FIG. 19, FIG. 20 and FIG. 21. Thesame components are visible from this view as in FIG. 19, FIG. 20 andFIG. 21. Additionally, from this view, the underside of the 100 Seriestread engagement assembly can be seen, including both the front gasket105A, rear gasket 105B, scrubbing brush 118 and fluid nozzles 112.

FIG. 23 shows a bottom perspective view of the hand operated controlassembly 102 and the tread engagement assembly 103 for the 100 Seriesconfiguration embodiment shown also in FIG. 19, FIG. 20, FIG. 21 andFIG. 22. The same components are visible from this view as in FIG. 19,FIG. 20 and FIG. 21. Additionally, from this view, the underside of the100 Series tread engagement assembly can be seen, including both thefront gasket 105A, rear gasket 105B, and scrubbing brush 118.

FIG. 24 shows a side-front perspective view of a close up the treadengagement assembly 102 configuration 100 Series. The various exteriorcomponents described above are visible from this view including theconfiguration 100 Series chassis 4C which is enlarge and higher toaccommodate the larger front and rear gaskets as well as raise the spraynozzles higher above the escalator tread so that fewer nozzles may beused to disperse the cleaning fluid onto the tread and into the treadgrooves.

FIG. 25 depicts the section “C-C” from FIG. 21 which shows some of theinternal structures of the configuration 100 Series tread engagementassembly 102. The chassis 104, which is enlarged for the configuration100 series embodiment, encases the spray manifold 120, which houses 6spray nozzles 112 as well as the vacuum evacuation manifold 122. Theliquid connection fixtures 115A/B empty into the cleaning fluid manifold117 which is directed into the individual spray nozzles 112. The spraymanifold 120 is separated from the vacuum evacuation manifold 122 by thescrubbing brush assembly 118 which includes a scrubbing brush 196. Thefront 105A and rear 105B gaskets are shown in the view as ifcross-sectioned are the full height portion of the gasket which engagesthe escalator tread grooves. As shown in FIG. 25, during the cleaningoperation, after the tread engagement assembly 102 is positioned withthe gaskets 105A in the tread grooves, cleaning solution is pumped intothe device, and vacuum evacuation is operational. The vacuum evacuationsystem begins sucking air and debris material into the evacuation tankonce the operator begins evacuation and suction is generated in thevacuum evacuation manifold 122. High suction is maintained by thesealing action of the forward 105A and rear 105B gaskets and also by alower frame gasket 116 which includes vacuum bridge gasket portions 116Aextending along and containing the width of the brush assembly 118 andalso includes side skirt vacuum gaskets 116B. The spray manifold 120 isseparated from the vacuum evacuation chamber by the scrubber brushassembly 118 acting as a vacuum bridge with brushes 196 extending intothe grooves in the vacuum escalator groove passage 114. During thecleaning operation, the cleaning fluid 127 is sprayed into the vacuumescalator groove passage 114 dislodging debris which is carried with thecleaning solution into the vacuum extraction manifold 122. The scrubbingbrushes 196 provide for dislodging of debris in contact with surface ofthe grooves, which is then extracted from the tread groove.

FIG. 25A schematically illustrates height variances between front andrear gaskets 105A2 and 105B2 during engagement of the front and reargaskets with the tread. Relative differences between the height of thegasket above the tread groove bottom 62 and tread ridge top 61 are shownschematically. As illustrated, the front gasket 105A2 will allow debristo more easily pass under the gasket due to a space between the gasketbottom and the groove bottom. This is helpful because most of the debristo be evacuated is on the bottom of the grooves. This configuration alsoallows greater velocity of air being pulled in across the bottom byallowing a preferred air flow rout, which can be even more emphasized byincreasing the seal of the gasket on the side of the ridges. In thisrespect, it is appreciated, that the cleaning effect is to be activatedby the spray and vacuum, while the gaskets provide seal in order toimplement strong air flow when suction occurs by activation of thevacuum apparatus. Seal effect on the sides of the grooves can beeffected by contact of the gasket teeth with the groove sides and alsoby an interference fit when the gasket is made of a compressiblematerial. An interference by the teeth having a width ⅛ greater than thegroove spacing will provide an interference of 1/16 inch on each side.

FIG. 26 also depicts the section “C-C” from FIG. 21 in a variation inwhich the front and rear gaskets 105A and 105B are tilted, which isemployed in order to allow ready passage of tread inconsistencies by afollowing tread being slightly higher than other treads. Thus, thebottom surface of the gasket are angled upward from the rear towards thefront at an angle which has been determined to facilitate motion of thegaskets across a vertical offset between steps to avoid catching thegasket edge on the elevated oncoming front of tread. The tilt angle maybe chosen from up to 15 degrees.

FIG. 26 A shows schematically the relative positions and heights of thefront and rear gaskets 105A and 105B in an alternate embodiment. Theadvantages of having an upwardly sloped front gasket bottom and groovetop above the tread groove bottom 62 and tread ridge height 61 includeincreased debris flow into the apparatus, and increased stability andtolerance when moving across vertically misaligned steps. The reargasket 105B2 is shown as being elevated slightly above the bottom of thetread grooves 62.

In FIG. 27, the slope of the upper and lower, forward and rear gasket105A/B surfaces 181A/B are linear and continuous. The height 105MG ofthe front edge gasket surfaces is chosen to be at least the height ofthe tread step offset 105MS between adjacent escalator tread step 72 and72A tops 61 and 61A. Since the tread groove floor 62 tracks the treadtop surface 61, the bottom gasket surface 181B must also have the samesloped adjustment as the groove top. The bottom gasket slope adjustmentheight is the same 105MG as is the step groove floor 62 62A offset105MS. Front and rear gasket widths 182A/B are chosen according to theapplication and conditions of use among other factors and may range from½ inch to 4 inches.

FIG. 29 shows an exemplar forward gasket 105A or rear gasket 105B forthe 100 Series configuration. The gasket 105 A/B may be made fromhydrophilic or hydrophobic foam material in various embodiments and maybe replaced readily in the assembly as a consumable component. Above thegaskets are described in more detail.

FIG. 30 shows an exemplary brush assembly with brushes or bristles 196.FIG. 30 further shows a scrubber brush assembly 118 which is held inplace by fasteners though holes 197 and incorporates one or more rows ofbristles 196. In various embodiments, the brush bristles may be composedof differing thickness, density, flexibility, or material, and may bestaggered in height across the tread width to more evenly contact thetread ridge top and groove bottom during cleaning.

FIG. 31 shows the lower frame gasket 116 and it integral parts 116Awhich in this embodiment integrates the above identified side skirt 116Bwith the holding framework of spaced apart parallel bars 116A forproviding a seal around the scrubbing brush assembly 118. The scrubbingbrush assembly 118 includes the bristles 196 and fastener holes 197 asshown in FIG. 31. This lower frame gasket 116 which is used for the 100Series configuration, both facilitates and improves suction pressureunder the tread engagement assembly 102 during cleaning and provides acontinuing flat surface for the apparatus to be in place on the tread.

FIG. 32 is the cross-section “D-D” from FIG. 3. This shows how the lowersurface of the lower frame gasket 116 and its sub-parts 116A and 116Bare in sealing contact with the tread upper surfaces 62.

FIG. 33 depicts a photograph of a portion of and exemplar scrubbingbrush assembly, including the brush bristles 196, which are facing up inthe image for structure visibility only. During operation, the bristlescontact the tread grooves and are directed downward.

FIG. 34 shows an exploded view of a 100 series embodiment of theapparatus. The various components of the apparatus and assemblies areidentified and shown in an exploded relationship to adjacent components.

FIG. 35 shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplar tread engagementchassis 104 for a 100 series embodiment. Showing also threaded frontscrews 199F and threaded rear screws 199R which can also be seen in FIG.25 mounting the gaskets to the chassis 104.

FIG. 36 shows a top perspective view of an exemplar tread engagementchassis 104 for a 100 series embodiment also showing the front threadedfasteners 199F.

FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of cross-section C-C from FIG. 21 of anexemplar 100 series embodiment of the tread engagement assembly.Previously described components of the assembly are shown.

FIG. 38 shows a direct front view of cross-section E-E from FIG. 19 ofan exemplar 100 series embodiment of the tread engagement assembly.Previously described components of the assembly are shown. An exemplarspray pattern 127 is shown extending in width to spray into the treadsthat are under the apparatus, especially into the tread grooves.

FIG. 39 shows schematically how the rear gasket 105B abuts against theterminus comb 65 of the escalator and travellator landing which therebyfirmly positions the apparatus for having the treads pass under it andbe cleaned.

In alternate embodiments, the arrangement and number of spray nozzles,the type of spray nozzle, the cleaning fluid pressure and the spraypattern are configurable or are selected according to applicationrequirements.

In alternative versions of the 100 series embodiment, the front and reargaskets are sized according to gasket material used, evacuation suctionnegative pressure, and typical forces applied to the tread engagementapparatus during operation to provide optimized friction against theescalator tread while maintaining stability and structural integrity. Invarious embodiments, the front gasket has a length (front to rearmeasurement) of 1/16 inch to 4 inches. The front gasket may be made ofsuch hard material as to allow a length of 1/16 inch although withsofter materials it may be desirable to have a range from about ½ inchto 4 inches or 1½ inch to 2 inches. In various embodiments, the reargasket has a length (front to rear measurement) of ¼ inch to 4 inches or½ inch to 4 inches. In various embodiments, the scrubber brush assemblycontains 1 to 4 rows of grouped bristles which may be aligned orstaggered.

What has been described herein is considered merely illustrative of theprinciples of this invention. Accordingly, it is well within the purviewof one skilled in the art to provide other and different embodimentswithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A device for cleaning escalator and travelator treadscomprising: a source of cleaning solution; a suction source; a recoverytank for storing extracted cleaning solution; a tread engagementassembly comprising: a cleaning solution sprayer connected to the sourceof cleaning solution comprising a plurality of sprayer nozzles, whereinthe cleaning solution sprayer sprays cleaning solution into a vacuumspray manifold; a vacuum evacuation manifold connected to the suctionsource; front and rear gaskets which mate with a plurality of grooves ofthe escalator and travelator tread, wherein the vacuum spray manifoldand the vacuum evacuation manifolds are substantially sealed against thegrooves of the escalator and travelator tread and communicate throughthe escalator and travelator groove passages; whereby the treadengagement assembly forms a vacuum seal against escalator and travelatortreads and cleans the escalator and travelator treads by sprayingcleaning solution onto the treads which is extracted by the suction andstored for disposal in the recovery tank.
 2. The device as in claim 1also comprising side skirt vacuum gaskets connecting the front and reargaskets.
 3. The device as in claim 1 also comprising a bridge padseparating the vacuum spray manifold from the vacuum evacuation manifoldexcept by communication through the escalator and travelator groovepassages.
 4. The device as in claim 1 wherein the front and rear gasketsare constructed of a hydrophobic material.
 5. The device as in claim 1wherein the front and rear gaskets are constructed of an elastomer. 6.The device as in claim 1 wherein the front and rear gaskets areconstructed of an oleophilic foam, whereby the front and rear gasketsabsorb oil from the escalator and travelator treads but do not absorb awater based cleaning solution extracted during cleaning operation. 7.The device as in claim 1 wherein the front and rear gaskets comprise atleast a plurality of teeth which mate against the escalator andtravelator tread grooves.
 8. The device as in claim 7 wherein theplurality of teeth are of a generally square cross-sectional shape. 9.The device as in claim 1 also comprising a scrubber brush assemblyseparating the vacuum spray manifold from the vacuum evacuation manifoldexcept by communication through the escalator and travelator groovepassages.
 10. An escalator and travelator tread cleaning accessory forvacuum evacuation cleaners comprising: a tread engagement assemblycomprising: a cleaning solution sprayer connected to a source ofcleaning solution; a plurality of spray nozzles; a vacuum evacuationmanifold connected to the suction source; front and rear gaskets whichmate with escalator and travelator tread grooves in an escalator andtravelator tread, wherein the vacuum evacuation manifold mates againstthe escalator and travelator tread; whereby when operated in conjunctionwith an evacuation cleaning apparatus the tread engagement assemblyforms a vacuum seal against escalator and travelator treads and cleansthe treads by spraying cleaning solution onto the groove passages of thetreads which is extracted by the suction source.
 11. The assembly as inclaim 10 also comprising side skirt gaskets connecting the front andrear gaskets.
 12. The assembly as in claim 10 also comprising a bridgepad separating a vacuum spray manifold from the vacuum evacuationmanifold.
 13. The assembly as in claim 10 wherein the front and reargaskets are constructed of a hydrophobic material.
 14. The assembly asin claim 10 wherein the front and rear gaskets are constructed of anelastomer.
 15. The assembly as in claim 10 wherein the front and reargaskets are constructed of an oleophilic foam, whereby the oleophilicfoam gaskets absorb oil from the escalator and travelator treads but nota water based cleaning solution extracted during cleaning operation. 16.The assembly as in claim 10 wherein the front and rear gaskets compriseat least a plurality of teeth which mate against the escalator andtravelator tread grooves.
 17. The assembly as in claim 16 wherein theplurality of teeth are generally of a square cross-sectional shape. 18.The assembly as in claim 16 wherein the front has a front to rear lengthwithin the range of about ¼ to 4 inches (10 cm).
 19. The assembly as inclaim 16 wherein the rear gasket plurality of teeth have a front to rearlength in the range of ½ inches (1.27 cm) to 4 inches (10 cm).
 20. Theassembly as in claim 16 also comprising a scrubber brush assemblyseparating the vacuum spray manifold from the vacuum evacuation manifoldexcept by communication through the escalator and travelator groovepassages.
 21. A device for cleaning escalator and travelator treadscomprising: a carpet evacuation cleaning machine modified with anaccessory apparatus performing a means for cleaning escalator andtravelator treads.
 22. A method for cleaning escalator and travelatortreads comprising: providing a tread engagement assembly coupled to asuction extraction source; setting the tread engagement assembly inplace on an escalator and travelator tread wherein a plurality of teethof at least one gasket of the tread engagement assembly are engaged witha plurality of escalator and travelator grooves of the escalator andtravelator tread; allowing the escalator and travelator to run a fullcycle while the tread engagement assembly is in operation along with thesuction evacuation source.
 23. The method for cleaning escalator andtravelator treads as in claim 22 wherein the vacuum spray manifold andvacuum evacuation manifold are also bounded by a side gasket portion onthe right and left sides of the respective manifolds.
 24. The method forcleaning escalator and travelator treads as in claim 22 wherein thedeformable gasket individual teeth are of a generally squarecross-sectional shape.
 25. The method for cleaning escalator andtravelator treads as in claim 22 wherein the front and rear gaskets areconstructed of a hydrophobic material.
 26. The method for cleaningescalator and travelator treads as in claim 22 wherein the front gaskethas a front to rear length within the range of about 1/16 inches (0.1615cm) to 4 inches (10 cm).
 27. The method for cleaning escalator andtravelator treads as in claim 22 wherein the rear has a front to rearlength in the range of about ½ inches (1.27 cm) to 4 inches (10 cm). 28.The method for cleaning escalator and travelator treads as in claim 22also comprising a scrubber brush assembly separating the vacuum spraymanifold from the vacuum evacuation manifold except by communicationthrough the escalator and travelator groove passages.
 29. A method forcleaning escalator and travelator treads comprising: providing a treadengagement assembly coupled to a suction evacuation source; setting thetread engagement assembly in place on an escalator and travelator treadwherein a plurality of teeth of at least one gasket of the treadengagement assembly are engaged with a plurality of escalator andtravelator grooves of the escalator and travelator tread; allowing theescalator and travelator to run a full cycle while the tread engagementassembly is in operation along with the suction evacuation source. 30.The method of claim 29 wherein the tread engagement assembly comprises avacuum evacuation manifold and a vacuum spray manifold in communicationwith each other through a plurality of escalator and travelator groovepassages, wherein the spray manifold is connected to a source of liquidcleaner which is sprayed into the manifold by spray source nozzles; thespray source nozzles being aligned in a direction that is lateral tomovement of escalator and travelator treads and the spray nozzles havingan angle of spray selected from the group consisting of: a. forwardlyangled b. vertical; and c. rearwardly angled wherein the spray nozzlesoperate to spray liquid during operation of the tread engagementassembly and the sprayed liquid along with debris are sucked into thevacuum evacuation manifold for further disposition.
 31. A device forcleaning escalator and travelator treads comprising: a source ofcleaning solution; a suction source; a recovery tank for storingextracted cleaning solution; a tread engagement assembly comprising: acleaning solution sprayer connected to the source of cleaning solutioncomprising a plurality of sprayer nozzles, wherein the cleaning solutionsprayer sprays cleaning solution into a vacuum spray manifold; a vacuumevacuation manifold connected to the suction source; front and reargaskets which mate with a plurality of grooves of the escalator andtravelator tread, wherein the vacuum spray manifold and the vacuumevacuation manifolds are substantially sealed against the grooves of theescalator and travelator tread and communicate through the escalator andtravelator groove passages, wherein the rear gasket is configured toabut against a stationary tread comb structure at a bottom or a top ofthe escalator and travelator, wherein when the device is engaged withthe escalator and travelator tread during operation of the escalator andtravelator, the rear gasket contact with the stationary comb structurewhen the device is engaged with the forward gasket and rear gasketpositioned with the forward gasket facing oncoming escalator andtravelator treads and the rear gasket blocking motion of the device bydirect contact with the stationary comb; whereby the tread engagementassembly forms a vacuum seal against escalator and travelator treads andcleans the escalator and travelator treads by spraying cleaning solutiononto the treads which is extracted by the suction and stored fordisposal in the recovery tank.
 32. A method for cleaning escalator andtravelator treads the treads having a top and being separated by groovesdefining tread sides and tread bottoms and the treads moving in arearward direction comprising: providing a wet vacuum extractioncleaning system comprising: a chassis extending a selected width acrossthreads comprising: a tread engagement assembly comprising: a frontgasket attached to the chassis at a front portion thereof and havingteeth configured to fit across the tread tops and into the tread groovesand a rear gasket attached to the chassis at a rear portion thereofhaving teeth configured to fit across the tread tops and into the treadgrooves the front and rear gaskets forming a vacuum seal to the treadsand being spaced apart along the length of the treads defining a vacuumgroove passage within grooves of the treads in the selected width thatare encompassed by the front and rear gaskets; a plurality of spraynozzles extending within the chassis rearwardly adjacent to the frontgasket to cause spray of cleaning solution into the vacuum groovepassage; a vacuum evacuation manifold connectable to a suction sourceand extending within the chassis rearwardly of the spray nozzles; avacuum bridge in the chassis extending across the width of the treadsunder the chassis and located between the spray nozzles and the vacuumevacuation manifold and in contact with the top of the treads which itextends across; a suction source connected to the vacuum evacuationmanifold; whereby when operated in conjunction with an evacuationcleaning apparatus the tread engagement assembly forms a vacuum sealagainst escalator and travelator treads and cleans the treads byspraying cleaning solution onto the groove passages of the treads whichis extracted by the suction source through the vacuum evacuationmanifold.